The Stormers salvaged some South African Super 12 pride with a 40-13 win over the Hurricanes in Cape Town on Friday night but after round three it has become startingly clear that the Australians and New Zealanders are streets ahead.

Embattled Bulls captain Chris le Roux, following his team's 51-19 loss to the Waratahs on Saturday, summed up the feeling when he said," Whenever we play an Australian side we feel like we have gone two steps backward".

The Australian sides all won over the weekend, adding credence to their desire for a fourth Super 12 franchise, while the South Africans look like the only way forward is to revert to three amalgams and hand one over to the Aussies.

The Brumbies, as has become the norm, top the table following their 38-8 victory over the Sharks in Canberra in an almost carbon copy of their 36-6 win in last year's final.

Wing Graeme Bond picked up a hat-trick of tries while former South African schoolboy lock Dan Vickerman ensured the Brumbies earned a bonus point with a fourth try.

The Waratahs, second on the log on points difference, have earned their stripes the hard way picking up three successive away wins and against the Bulls it looked like a case of men against boys.

Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer admitted his team were out of their depth in the competition. "The guys played their hearts out but we were simply beaten by the better side," said Meyer.

The Waratahs look like definite semi-finalists even this early in the season and they could very well be joined by the Brumbies and the Reds, who defeated the Chiefs in Brisbane.

The Bulls are hopelessly outclassed every time they take to the field, even at home, and now own the dubious distinction of being the only team in the competition without a point.

But as pointless as the Bulls looked on Saturday, the Stormers looked exciting and South Africa's only real early hope at Super 12 glory. The Stormers backs fed off the Hurricane mistakes brilliantly but may battle against a dominating pack.

Nonetheless, the likes of Pieter Rossouw (2 tries) and Percy Montgomery showed true class while lock Hottie Louw (pictured) has been a sensation.

The Stormers are now in sixth place while the Cats are in ninth, the Sharks in 11th and the Bulls in their customary basement spot.